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Pep Guardiola admits he has a dilemma over his Manchester City selection following Sergio Agüero’s return from a long-term injury.
Guardiola says he is convinced the club’s record scorer will return to his best with matches and time, and will have patience with him after a season devastated by injury and illness.
But the City boss admits that he cannot choose his side based on sentiment and must give preference to fit players, as Premier League leaders chase glory on four fronts.
Aguero made his first start in four months and City achieved their 20th consecutive win in all competitions with a 2-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The Argentine missed the start of the season after a knee operation and then saw his return complicated by more problems in that joint, a hamstring injury and a coronavirus disease.
He returned to action as a late substitute against Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday before being given 61 minutes against the Hammers.
“We want to help him, but at the same time, Raheem (Sterling), Phil (Foden) and Bernardo (Silva) did not play. I try to manage it so that everyone gets involved and takes part,” Guardiola said.
“Some players deserved to play but didn’t. That’s why it’s difficult for all coaches when you have a squad.
“You have to be patient and take advantage of the good times as much as possible. Players who perform well have more opportunities to play than others.”
“Sergio has been injured for a year. It’s a long time. He played two or three games and then he got injured again and was out.
“I always think we need him in this part of the season, at the right times, because he has a special talent and quality. He is going to help.”
“But we have not denied that it takes time. The positive is that he played 50-60 minutes and that is good for his legs. You have to keep training well and be positive.
“There will be games that will be tight and difficult and we will need ‘Kun’. We need guys who can score a goal and the best in those terms is him. He knows it from day one.
“I know Sergio is very important to us. He is the most important person for this club, he scored the most important goal, he was part of all the success.”
‘Not selecting García broke my heart’
Another player affected by the form of his teammates this season has been 20-year-old center-back Eric Garcia.
The Spaniard impressed after having a shot towards the end of last season, but has only made nine appearances this season.
His slide down the pecking order was thought to have had a lot to do with his decision to turn down a new contract amid the interest of children’s club Barcelona, which he appears to be joining in a free transfer this summer.
But Guardiola said: “Eric Garcia is like a son. He was a guy last season who after the lockdown was our best central defender. He never made a mistake and played the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
“He is going to play in Barcelona and he is not an average player, he is a first level player. He was not selected in the last two games and it broke my heart.
“That’s why it’s difficult for all coaches when you have a team. You can’t imagine what it means.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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